Deputy Chief - Fire EMS

The Deputy Chief of Fire-EMS is an executive-level position reporting directly to the Chief of Fire-EMS.  The Deputy Chief provides strategic oversight for key capacities and segments of the department. The incumbent will supervise employees and oversee operations, with related human resource functions and documentation; assist in financial operations by developing and monitoring budgets; developing policies and procedures for compliance; and handling necessary reporting. 

This position requires the candidate to represent the Fire-EMS Department at various levels of government and community.  The incumbent will respond, evaluate, and determine plan of action for emergencies and, if necessary, assume command of the Fire-EMS department in the absence of the Chief.

General Description: This is an executive-level professional position. The incumbent performs complex administrative tasks to direct fire and emergency medical services for the County.

Organization: The Deputy Chief reports to the Chief of Fire and EMS and supervises Assistant Chiefs. This position functions as a deputy department head within local government.   

Essential Functions:

• Supervises employees, performing related human resources functions and completing necessary paperwork.
• Assumes command of the Fire-EMS Department in the absence of the Chief of Fire-EMS.
• Assists Chief of Fire-EMS in administration and development of policies, procedures, and budget.
• Coordinates efforts of Assistant Chiefs in direction and management of department divisions.
• Serves as the Deputy Emergency Services Coordinator.
• Coordinates special programs, such as mutual aid with other jurisdictions, construction, and equipment projects.
• Prepares reports and makes presentations as needed.
• Fosters volunteer involvement and membership to support a combination career and volunteer system.
• Responds to alarms of fires, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies. Determines a plan of action at emergency scenes. 
• Performs related work as assigned. 

Working Conditions:

A. Hazards

• May be exposed to hazards associated with firefighting, EMS, and hazardous materials incidents

B. Environment

• Office
• Field -exposure to adverse weather, dust, smoke, noise, and fumes

C. Physical Effort

• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather situations

D. Exempt

• No Compensatory Leave Accrual 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Extensive knowledge in Fire Science and EMS Systems required. Must have administrative, budgeting, human resources, and supervisory skills. Must demonstrate the ability to represent the department with a high degree of professionalism. Leadership and analytical skills are required. Must be able to communicate well and establish effective relationships with administration, staff, and citizens. Knowledge of Hanover County preferred. Must be computer literate.

Education, Experience, and Training: Master’s degree in fire science, emergency management, or related field required with a minimum of six (6) years of career chief officer experience, including supervision; Certification by VA Dept. of Fire Programs and/or VA Office of EMS required - OR - Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable. 

Special Conditions:

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Complete Criminal Background Investigation
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License
• Pre-employment Physical Examination/Drug Test and repeated in accordance to policy thereafter
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Work beyond normal schedule
• Essential staff designation
• Must wear uniform
• Maintain certification requirements
• This position is subject to the department's on-call procedures

Revision Date: August 2022

Additional Requirements:

External applicants must pass Hanover Fire-EMS Physical Fitness Assessment Test as part of the selection process.  

External applicants will be competing with internal officers in this hiring process.

The successful candidate must pass Hanover Fire-EMS Work Performance Evaluation Test as part of their probationary process and will be required to pass annually during employment.

The successful candidate must pass the firefighter NFPA 1582 medical physical; drug test; criminal background investigation; DMV license check; and provide a copy of your diploma and all certifications.

Salary : $155,176 - $170,777